Sometimes a great photo is the result of years of study and practice.
But other times a great photo is just a lucky shot.
I study the work of master photographers as well as the lucky shots that my non-photographer friends get. I've noticed that the people who take the best photos always do the same things right.
They use the perfect camera setting. And there are really only a couple you need to know.
They use their lens properly.
They have beautiful light in their photo.
They use simple creative techniques.
We all get lucky shots now and then. But what good is a lucky shot if you don't know how to repeat it?
The best way to guarantee a lucky shot is to understand how your camera works (not everything, just the essentials), have a handful of creative techniques that you enjoy using, and appreciate how light can add a new dimension to your photo.
The more you learn and practice, the more likely you are to get a "lucky shot." The more likely you will be to capture a fleeting moment and have a photo that you love.
Now, getting a good photo every time doesn't mean that every photo you take will be great.
Most pros and artistic photographers only consider about 10% (or less) of their photos to be good. They know that they need to explore the moment and take lots of photos before they get the one that they'll really love.
It's not about every photo being amazing, it's about knowing how to explore a moment and change things up a bit as you keep snapping photos.
You wait to see what else the moment has to offer. You change your angle slightly. You notice the light and make sure you're capturing it well. All the while, making subtle camera setting adjustments.
This doesn't all happen overnight. You learn gradually, keep practicing, and eventually it becomes ingrained in you.